jwynne

I enjoyed your article on local MDs spending more time with their patients and helping them make healthy lifestyle choices. I appreciate that some MDs are saying no to the medical rat race and helping find healthy alternatives to pharmaceuticals for their patients. Many acupuncturists in the area practice a similar type of medicine. It is Oriental and holistic, however we tend to spend more time with our patients than in the current Western model. We usually perform acupuncture on our patients and offer lifestyle and nutritional advice to support their path to wellness. Many of us (including myself) make housecalls for patients who are unable to get to our offices.

I love this idea of the doctors doing what they know is best and thumbing their nose at the insurance companies. It reminds of that saying, "What if they threw a party and nobody came?" Well, how about "What if they put together a lousy medical insurance plan and the doctors didn't show up?" Who would have ever thought that it just be some conscientious doctors that would lead the way out of the healthcare mess we find ourselves in? Outstanding!

I'm sending this article to my doctor! She likes to spend a lot of time with her patients and often finds things that other doctors have overlooked. But, she can go weeks without pay because she hasn't met the minimum number of labs and/or prescriptions written. Like the doctor in this story, she can work 80 hours a week, and not get paid. I blame the insurance companies and the health "management" systems. It's all about $$$$$ and patients get dropped between the cracks. Bring back individual health CARE.